by Dianna Love
“Thank you.” A little of the happy Lanna peeked through before her eyes darkened again. “But Cousin may not be so glad when I tell him what he must do.”
Adrianna had listened intently and now asked, “What, Lanna?”
“I know you have visions. I have heard,” she told Adrianna. “I too have them, but maybe not the same. I also have had dream meetings.”
That announcement didn’t faze Mother Mattie. No doubt, the witch had seen and heard a lot during Lanna’s recovery.
Everyone waited for Lanna to finish speaking.
“My visions have been confusing and my dreams have been ... difficult.”
Evalle’s heart clenched at the nightmares Lanna had to be suffering.
“But I now think I know how to find my cousin’s daughter,” Lanna finished. She gave Adrianna a weighted look. “It will take all of us to find her.”
“I’ve told Quinn I’ll help in any way, Lanna, but I haven’t had any dream visions that clearly relate to this,” Adrianna admitted. “At least, as far as I know they don’t.”
Glancing over at Mother Mattie, who gave the young woman a solemn nod, Lanna said, “I have finally realized that I could do more than touch the bracelet given to Cousin.” At Adrianna’s frown, Lanna explained, “Kizira gave Cousin small bit of his own hair braided with Phoedra’s. The bracelet burned my hand, but there is another way to find a connection to his child. It’s inside him. We must bring together our power in one circle while I hold his hand. We can find this girl.”
Evalle couldn’t breathe for a moment. She turned to Adrianna and Mother Mattie. “Can we do this?”
Adrianna gave her a thoughtful look. “I don’t know, but I also don’t know that we can’t.”
Mother Mattie smiled. “It is possible. Lanna came up with that all on her own.”
Lanna looked around, leaning forward and peering toward the hallway, then shook her head. “I would like much more power, but we will try it with me, Adrianna and Mother Mattie.”
Had Lanna been looking for Caron?
“What about Storm?” Evalle asked.
“His majik is different,” Mother Mattie clarified. “We are all some form of witch majik.” She pointed at herself, then Lanna, then Adrianna as she said, “White majik, white majik, neutral majik.”
Adrianna suppressed a smile, but Evalle could tell she was touched that Mother Mattie had not called her dark.
But if Storm’s majik was different, then surely Caron’s was, too.
Ready to find Quinn’s daughter and give her friend some badly needed peace, Evalle asked, “When do you want to do this and what do you need?”
Mother Mattie held silent, watching Lanna who said, “Tonight. I would like to do this in your building, Evalle, if Storm agrees.”
“You know he will. He’d do anything for you and Quinn.” Evalle remembered something. “The twins miss you, too.”
Lanna’s cheeks pinked. “I have missed them.”
Evalle would bet Lanna’s flush had to do with one of the twins in particular, but she would not put Lanna on the spot by bringing it up.
Bullfrog grunting broken up with cricket chirping approached from down the hall.
“I know that adorable sound,” Evalle said. The last time she’d seen Oskar, Mother Mattie’s familiar, he’d backed away from Lanna because she’d been tainted with Grendal’s majik at the time. Oskar had recognized the scent of majik as the same one from Grendal, who had also captured Mother Mattie, but the little familiar had had no way to relay that to anyone when Evalle found him.
Evalle recalled her one encounter with Grendal at a beast fight and shuddered at the memory.
Oskar came trotting up on all fours, looking something like a shaggy bichon frisé with a salt-and-pepper coat. He smoothly stood up on his hind legs when he got to Lanna and turned his huge, yellow, owl eyes on her.
She cooed all over him, careful to avoid getting poked by the unicorn horn protruding from his head.
“You two made friends,” Evalle commented.
“Not at first, but all good now,” Lanna replied. “Oskar was not happy when he smelled scent of Grendal’s bad majik on me, but Mother Mattie and Caron fixed that.”
One look at Mother Mattie’s concerned face told Evalle that neutralizing Grendal’s influence on Lanna hadn’t been an easy task.
Evalle remembered Mother Mattie’s granddaughter and asked, “How is Sissy?”
The light in Mother Mattie’s eyes dimmed. “She’ll come back to us. It’s just going to take a bit longer for her.”
“I will spend time with Sissy once she is awake again,” Lanna said, still leaned over and petting Oskar.
Evalle hurt for Sissy. Caron had gone after Grendal to save Lanna. She’d returned with Lanna in her arms and shared nothing about what happened, but from the look in the Fae woman’s eyes, she’d made him pay with a painful death.
Sitting up quickly, Lanna announced, “We should bring Oskar to see Feenix.”
“I can do that, but it depends on what Evalle and Storm say,” Mother Mattie told her.
Evalle would share all that had happened today with Storm, including Lanna’s idea for finding Phoedra. Once she did, she was certain he’d be okay with Oskar visiting. She’d promised Storm she would not bring unknowns into their home without talking to him first. He knew all these people and had met Oskar. If she had any doubt he would agree this time, she wouldn’t offer.
“That’s a great idea, Lanna,” Evalle said, giving Lanna’s arm another squeeze. “Everyone will be glad to see you tonight. In fact, you can move back in whenever you’re ready. We all miss you, Feenix especially.”
“I can?” Lanna’s eyes lit with hope.
She was killing Evalle. “Of course you can, Lanna.”
“I will bring suitcase.”
“Awesome. Feenix is driving us crazy asking about you.”
Lanna’s eyes glistened. “I miss him, too.”
Not used to so much emotional overload, Evalle said, “Ready, Adrianna?”
Rising to join her, Adrianna thanked Mother Mattie for her hospitality. The elderly woman shushed them away when they offered to help clean up.
Outside the front door, Lanna stopped Adrianna, who’d been smiling until Lanna said, “You must not let her have your power.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Veronika. My visions come in pieces like mixed up puzzle, but right before you arrive I see Veronika clearly in my mind. She will come for you. You must not let her win.”
Chills ran up Evalle’s arms. “We won’t, Lanna, but promise me you’ll tell us about any visions and not try to fix something on your own.”
“I promise.”
Lanna’s quick and sincere answer hurt to hear. Evalle never wanted the girl to go looking for trouble again, but the Lanna she’d known would have bristled and argued that she had powers others couldn’t imagine.
And Evalle believed she did.
Would Lanna ever regain her vibrant confidence?
In Storm’s truck, Evalle gave Adrianna a smug look and said, “I was right. Sounds like we’re having a séance tonight.”
“I’m never going to hear the end of this, am I?”
“Nope.” Evalle drove out of Mother Mattie’s neighborhood of quaint homes and had just reached the main thoroughfare when Adrianna made a pained sound.
She said, “Pull over. Now.”
Evalle yanked the truck into a closed gas station.
The witch jumped out and backed away.
Evalle ran around to her side. “What’s wrong?”
The muscles in Adrianna’s normally smooth neck bulged when she strained. “Get away from me.”
“Not happening.” With a quick glance, Evalle said, “Too many humans.”
Sweat poured down Adrianna’s face. She croaked out a few words and all the traffic sounds dulled. Even with whatever was going on, Adrianna had managed to toss an invisible cloak over them so humans c
ouldn’t see what went on.
Hopefully none had been staring at Evalle and Adrianna when they basically disappeared.
Not the biggest worry right now.
Evalle shouted, “Stop worrying about hurting me and tell me what I can do.”
Adrianna’s petite body looked like someone had sucked out the softness and turned every muscle taut. She opened her hand and Witchlock was the size of a basketball, but no longer round. It twisted in different directions, bulging out of shape.
Oh, hell.
Frantic to offer any aid, Evalle called out, “What can I do to help you calm it down?”
“Nothing ... but that’s ... good idea.” Adrianna reached out with her empty hand and stroked over the ball of power while speaking in one of her ancient languages. The energy seemed to slow down for a moment, but then it spun faster again.
Her words came out in harsh breaths, sounding as if each one was being squeezed out of her.
Fury and strain contorted Adrianna’s face into a scary mask. She was clearly trying to force her will on the power.
Witchlock was fighting back.
Adrianna’s body arched, toes barely touching the ground. Her eyes rolled up until only white orbs glowed in the sockets.
A lightning strobe of energy shot across her arms and hands, then up her neck and through her face. It had to be blazing through her whole body.
Evalle hated not being able to step in and fight with Adrianna.
Muttering and shaking her head, Adrianna’s eyes were still white, but she started shouting.
Was she ... arguing with Witchlock?
The energy built up until the noise turned into a roar that meshed with Adrianna’s unintelligible words.
Popping flashes like out-of-control fireworks shot around everywhere. Evalle dove to the ground and covered her head.
Power exploded.
Heat ripped across her back.
Soft murmurs filled the space.
Evalle sniffed. Was that the smell of singed hair? She checked her head. Not bald.
She slowly uncovered her head and looked up to find Adrianna standing on the ground again with her eyes shut, but pale and shaking. She’d been through one hell of a power storm.
Gaining her feet, Evalle asked, “Adrianna? You still in there?”
Nodding slowly, Adrianna opened her eyes and looked first at the small ball of energy spinning happily in her trembling palm. She released a burst of air, sounding relieved.
Evalle had seen this woman in more than one battle. Adrianna had ice water in her veins. To see her rattled was not good news.
Swallowing, Evalle asked, “You ready to tell me what the hell happened?”
“I would if I knew. The best that I can tell you is I was fighting to hold onto Witchlock. But while I did that, it seemed as if the power was struggling to figure out what was going on. I have a sense that it will remain with me as long as it believes I am powerful enough to host the energy.”
“I know I’m not going to like the answer, but do you know who was trying to take Witchlock?”
“Veronika.”
“That shouldn’t be possible, should it?”
Raising seriously concerned eyes to Evalle, Adrianna pointed out, “You say that as if this power came with a troubleshooting manual.”
“Good point. Are you ready to drop the cloaking?”
“Sure.” Adrianna closed her right hand, concealing Witchlock, then lifted her other hand and swished the cloaking away.
Sounds from around them sharpened and grew louder.
Holding up her hand, Evalle said, “Let me double check that Veronika is still locked up.”
“Good idea.”
With Quinn busy getting their forces ready for Daegan to take over, Evalle called out telepathically to Trey since he was the central contact for Beladors in their area. Trey, this is Evalle.
I’m here, Trey called back. What’s up?
Have you heard anything about Veronika today? Like her escaping?
No.
Any chance that could have happened?
Doubtful, but I’ll contact Sen and see what he says. Stand by. After a sixty-second pause, Trey said, Man, Sen’s got his tighty-whities in a wad today. He said if we wanted a report, to send Beladors back in to work.
What does that mean? Is he avoiding the question?
Trey said, I have no idea, but I’d think if Veronika had gotten out that Sen would be pushing a Tribunal to demand we come back in force. I’d also expect an apocalyptic display of Veronika’s power just to show us the bitch was back.
Good point. Let me know if you hear differently, okay?
Will do. Then Trey was gone.
Adrianna waited with an anxious look in her eyes.
Evalle said, “Trey just asked Sen, who blew him off because of Daegan yanking most of the Beladors out of VIPER.”
“So nothing new on Veronika?”
“Doesn’t sound like it, but I’ll go hit up my Nightstalker when we get done tonight.” Back in the truck, Evalle said, “I need to get ahold of Quinn so we can hold this séance tonight.”
“Stop calling it that. It’s not a séance.”
“Is too.”
“Is not.” Adrianna lifted her hand. “You need to find Quinn, then please drop me at my house.”
“Sore loser,” Evalle remarked, smirking. She considered the gravity of what Adrianna had experienced and decided it was worth reaching out telepathically for something brief. Quinn, can you talk?
Quinn’s deep voice answered in her head. Quickly. I’m in the middle of something. What’s going on?
Just like she’d thought. He wasn’t where he could deal with Sen. With traffic getting thick, she hurried to tell him, I have to jump, too, so I can drive, but we need you to meet at my place at seven tonight. Good news. Lanna has an idea on Phoedra.
No, Lanna is staying out of this.
Evalle debated for a moment what to say and decided on, Just be on time.
Evalle, did you hear me? I do not want Lanna using her powers in any way. Is that understood?
I hear you loud and clear. Gotta go so I don’t wreck Storm’s truck. Later.
Evalle ended the telepathy.
They had to find Phoedra. Lanna believed she could do it and Quinn had found no one else who could help.
What was the worst that could happen if she held the séance tonight and included Lanna?
Evalle’s gaze tripped over to Adrianna, who looked seriously disturbed over that last power battle.
A lot could go wrong tonight.
Chapter 9
Treoir Castle in the Treoir realm
Daegan teleported into Treoir Castle with plans of tracking down Garwyli. He’d barely seen the old druid since taking over this realm. At the last minute, Daegan changed his direction and terminated his teleporting in the sunroom.
He expected to find his niece, Brina, which he did.
She and Tzader, her fiancé, were wrapped up in each other’s arms.
“Have you two been locked from your bedchamber?” Daegan asked dryly.
Brina stepped back from Tzader, smiling like a young woman in love who deserved to be happy, but Daegan was in a hurry.
She said, “No, Daegan. We simply have not seen each other much today and slipped in here for a moment of privacy.” She gave him a censuring look, then gave up. “What ails you, Uncle?”
“I’m huntin’ Garwyli.”
She asked Tzader, “Have you seen him?”
“No.” Tzader suggested, “I can ask the guards to find him.”
“That won’t be necessary. I will find him sooner than they can.” While Daegan was there, he reminded these two, “You were to be married by now. What’s the delay?”
Brina lifted her hands in exasperation. “I’m waitin’ for you to tell me our people are no longer under threat. Until then, I doubt we can have our friends stop what they’re doin’ for a weddin’.” She frowned hard this time.
&n
bsp; Daegan couldn’t help laughing.
Tzader murmured, “Oh, hell.”
“And what’s so blasted funny, Daegan?” she scowled.
“You, niece.”
Tzader put a hand over his eyes. “Not making it better, dragon.”
Scratching his chin, Daegan said, “I’m only imaginin’ the fierce warrior you two will have soon.”
Dropping his hand, Tzader smiled. “Nice save, but it might be a girl.”
Brina had been smiling at what Daegan said, but now whirled on Tzader. “What makes ya think she won’t be a warrior if she’s a lass?”
“That’s not what I meant, muirnin.”
“Don’t try to wiggle out by callin’ me muirnin.”
“I thought you liked that.”
Brina opened her mouth and closed it.
“Carry on,” Daegan called out and got a terse look from Tzader right before teleporting out.
After zipping from spot to spot, Daegan lost patience and stood with his hands on his hips in the middle of an arched hallway.
He bellowed, “Garwyli!”
The old guy turned a corner up ahead and meandered down the wide passage toward Daegan. With white hair falling past his shoulders and a matching beard that reached his waist, the druid wore a simple robe and carried books as he puttered along.
When Garwyli got closer, he said, “Don’t be hurryin’ me, dragon. I’m an old man.”
“You’re a powerful old druid who can teleport within these walls,” Daegan chided him. “Maybe even beyond, but I have yet to determine what all you can do.”
Garwyli waved that off with a wrinkled hand. “I find it takes more out of me to teleport these days.”
The sincerity in the druid’s voice bothered Daegan. He liked the old guy and anticipated having him around for a long time. There was no replacing the knowledge of centuries and all the wisdom that ran through Garwyli’s veins. Plus, Brina and Tzader had spoken highly of the druid’s confronting Macha when she’d ruled this realm, even though the goddess held the strong hand of power.
Evalle idolized the druid as well and now Daegan knew why. He’d asked Evalle about it before leaving her at home after their trip to VIPER. She went all starry-eyed when she explained about how Garwyli had returned Storm’s soul. It didn’t take much to realize that many of his closest round-table advisors considered Garwyli an ally. He did, too.